Going on a retreat alone: a good idea?

The idea has been on your mind for a while: going away on a retreat for a few days, alone. No compromising on dates, no need to convince a friend, just you and the stay that appeals to you. And yet a small voice hesitates. Will I get bored? Will I feel left out? Will I be comfortable with strangers? Going on a retreat alone is more and more common. Here is what you need to know to decide calmly, and to choose well if you take the plunge.

Why go alone?

A stay that is truly yours

Going alone means choosing exactly what you want: the practice, the pace, the place, the dates. No one to accommodate, no one to wait for. The stay is built around your needs.

More inner space

Without the usual conversations and everyday roles, you often find yourself more available to yourself: to notice what you feel, to reflect, to truly rest.

Meeting people with no obligation

On a retreat, you are never completely alone. Meals, sessions and activities are often shared in a small group. You can talk as much as you like, or keep your distance. It's your choice.

The most common worries

"I'll feel left out"

Many participants arrive at a retreat alone. Organisers are used to welcoming people who don't know each other, and the first moments, such as a welcome circle or a shared meal, often help break the ice.

"I'll get bored"

A retreat usually has a programme: practices, workshops, walks. Free time, for its part, is a chance to read, walk, write or simply do nothing. For many people, that is exactly what is missing from daily life.

"I won't be safe"

It's a legitimate question. Take the time to find out about the venue, the accommodation, the organiser and how to get there. Let someone close to you know your plans and the address of the stay. And if anything in the description or your exchanges makes you uneasy, trust your instincts.

Which formats to choose when going alone?

Small-group retreats

They offer a good balance between time for yourself and shared moments. The group bonds quickly and the support is attentive.

Yoga or meditation retreats

The setting is structured and the days follow the rhythm of the practice, which makes it easier to fit in when you don't know anyone.

Silent retreats

They may seem intimidating, but they are surprisingly well suited to going solo: no one expects you to make conversation.

Active stays

Hiking, trekking, surfing: a shared activity naturally creates connection, without any special effort.

Women-only retreats

Some organisers offer dedicated formats. They can be reassuring if you prefer an all-female setting for your first solo trip.

What to check on the listing

• Group size: the smaller it is, the more intimate the atmosphere often is.
• Room type: single or shared. A room of your own can be precious for recharging; a shared room can make it easier to meet people. Also check whether a supplement applies.
• The programme: the balance of group activities and free time.
• Access: how to get to the venue, and at what time.
• The organiser: their introduction, their approach, how quickly they reply if you ask a question.

A few tips for enjoying your stay

Arrive without social pressure

You don't have to become friends with everyone. Be yourself, at your own pace.

Keep time for yourself

Use free time to do what does you good: a walk, a nap, a notebook.

Limit your phone

It is very tempting to stay connected to fill the void. Try to embrace it instead: that is often where the retreat really begins.

Write down what you experience

A notebook will help you keep track of how you feel, and extend the experience once you are home.

So, a good idea?

For many people, going on a retreat alone is a precious experience: a rare moment of freedom and attention to yourself. That said, it isn't a must. If the idea makes you too anxious, start with a short format: a weekend close to home, in a small group. You will then see whether you want to go further.

In short

Going on a retreat alone means giving yourself a stay you have fully chosen, where meeting people is possible but never imposed. Choose a reassuring format, check the listing carefully and go at your own pace. Browse the retreats and click "View activity" to discover the ones that make you want to take the plunge.